Fight over special election for U.S. Senate heads to N.J. high court

June 14, 2013|Reuters

NEW YORK, June 14 (Reuters) - New Jersey's State SupremeCourt said on Friday it would hear a challenge to Governor ChrisChristie's plan to hold a special election in October to fillthe U.S. Senate seat left vacant by the death of Senator FrankLautenberg.

The state's highest court said a group of Democrats haveuntil Monday to file a motion seeking to overturn a lower courtruling that Christie acted within his authority when he calledthe special election.

Christie set the special election for Oct. 16, three weeksbefore voters head to the polls for the Nov. 5 general electionin which he is seeking a second term.

Democrats believe the Republican governor called the specialelection to avoid appearing on the ballot in the Novemberelection at the same time as popular Newark Mayor Cory Booker, aDemocrat.

Booker is currently the front-runner for DemocratLautenberg's seat, according to a Quinnipiac poll. His candidacywas expected to bring a large number of Democrats and minoritiesto the polls, potentially tightening Christie's race againstDemocratic challenger Barbara Buono.

Schaffer said holding two elections will likely suppressvoter turnout at the general election by about 10 to 12 percent.

"Governor Christie followed the law as established by thelegislature and ensured New Jersey voters would have a voice anda choice - in both a primary and general election - in selectingthe next U.S. senator for New Jersey," said Christie spokesmanMichael Drewniak.

Christie could have filled Lautenberg's seat through the endof his term next year, but instead designated former AttorneyGeneral Jeffrey Chiesa, a Republican, to hold the seattemporarily until a new election could take place.

The special election, which includes an August primary andthe October balloting, will cost $24 million to administer.